­Experts from the International Energy Agency and Energy Center SKOLKOVO have been discussing the main trends in global energy sector and Russia's role, as part of the World Energy Outlook conference being held near Moscow.

The International Energy Agency expects natural gas consumption to grow 50% by 2035. According to the World Energy Outlook 90% of this growth will be provided by countries outside the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). China will further continue to strengthen its position as the largest consumer of energy, using 70% more than second largest consumer of energy – the U.S. by 2035. However, Russia is not likely to have the biggest part of the pie, as China is expected to out perform it as the world's top energy producer.

“Economic development, population growth, and its prosperity will inevitably lead to increased energy needs in coming decades. However, we can no longer rely on an unreliable and environmentally unfriendly energy.” says Maria van der Hoeven, IEA Executive Director.